As I passed the 12-mile marker, the road dropped into the Bois De Vincennes – a large green park lined with dozens of trees, flowerbeds bursting with colour and quaint footpaths, which snake through the grounds.

For any normal tourist, the sight would be pleasurable. But for me – a mile from the finish line of the Fitbit Paris half marathon – it offered no delight. Instead, I was covered in sweat, limping due to a dodgy left ankle and hoping that the next 10 minutes of my life were going to disappear as quickly as possible.

In fact, the only thing that was giving me any joy was knowing I would soon be back at my hotel, where a hot tub, sauna, huge double bed and great restaurant were all waiting for me.

Le Cinq Codet, which its double rooms where art meets comfort and fantastic service, was the perfect place to recover from the Fitbit Semi de Paris

The view from one of the balconies at Le Cinq Codet, which overlooks the beautiful Hôtel National des Invalides and quiet French streets leading to it

The room – a classic double– was cosy but immaculately decorated, with three huge pieces of artwork including a sultry picture of a woman flashing her derriere placed by the bed

Two hours later, my desires were fulfilled and I was sat in Le Cinq Codet’s tub enjoying a cold beer and stuffing my face with pastries, pâté and cold meats.

Situated a couple of blocks away from the Eiffel Tower and described as a ‘hotel like no other’, the five-star property was the perfect place to recover from my exertions.

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As soon as I arrived, staff were on hand to help me with my bags and tell me about the best restaurants and bars. They were also happy to organise cars, reservations for shows and transfers back Gare Du Nord, where my Eurostar would be departing from three days later.

My room – a classic double– was cosy but immaculately decorated, with three huge pieces of artwork including a sultry picture of a woman flashing her derriere placed by the bed.

Situated a couple of blocks away from the Eiffel Tower and the Hôtel National des Invalides, the five-star Le Cinq Codet was the perfect place to recover

One of the larger rooms boasts an impressive sitting area and terrace, with visitors able to use the widescreen TV to watch the latest films

Each morning, the restaurant’s self-service area was filled with pastries, breads, cold meats and smoked salmon as well as sausages, bacon and beautifully-cooked scrambled eggs. Above, the dining area, with its modern black and orange colour scheme and 'champagne' artwork

If you still didn’t find something to take your fancy, staff were on hand to make you an omelette filled with local ingredients. Smoothies and juices were also available, as well as freshly-made coffees

It also had all the additions a modern tourists could want. I was able to use the smart television to watch a film and relax the night before the half marathon as well as connect my phone and tablet to the free wireless throughout my stay.

Two floors above me the gym, sauna and tub were available for customers to use for free. The tub, which sat on the hotel’s outside terrace surrounded by tumbling greenery, was kept open until 11pm while the gym included state-of-the-art machines, which, while I was staying, were always available.

Breakfast, which was included with the price of the room, was a particular triumph. Each morning, the restaurant’s self-service area was filled with pastries, breads, cold meats and smoked salmon as well as sausages, bacon and beautifully-cooked scrambled eggs.

If you still didn’t find something to take your fancy, staff were on hand to make you an omelette filled with local ingredients. Smoothies and juices were also available, as well as freshly-made coffees.

An outside area provides the perfect getaway zone after a busy day in the city, with plush white seats surrounded by luscious greenery

The area, which includes a drinking area lit by candlelight, sits adjacent to the hotel's restaurant and is sheltered by the surrounding walls

Le Cinq Codet's reception area, which is filled with books and newspapers, and includes several striking pieces of art

Due to the hotel’s location, I was easily able to walk to several popular tourist attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Hôtel National des Invalides and the Louvre.

The Ecole Militaire metro station - on line 8 - was less than five minutes walk away while there were also dozens of buses on hand to take you all over the city.

The streets surrounding the hotel, found in one of the City of Light's most exclusive districts, included dozens of restaurants and bars, all of which offered happy hours and relatively good food, although it was not always cheap and some had very Anglicised menus.

Instead, the Latin quarter, where I ventured in a bid to find post-marathon grub, is a short metro ride away with the best falafel found at L'As du Fallafel on the Rue de Rosiers.

Le Cinq Codet is not just for marathon runners. Its fantastic staff, modern rooms and extra services are perfect for anyone travelling to the city - just try not to eat too much at breakfast!

TRAVEL FACTS

Rooms at Le Cinq Codet can be reserved through Booking.com, which lists thousands of diverse Paris hotels, hostels and apartments.

A three-night stay in a classic double room cost 885 euros (£703). Rooms are available at £200 per night if you book in advance using Booking.